The Seattle Mariners, after a promising start, have stumbled in their last two games against the Los Angeles Angels.
They aim to bounce back and even the series in the final game on Sunday in Anaheim, California. The Mariners, who dominated with an 11-0 victory in the series opener on Thursday, have struggled since, scoring only four runs early in Friday’s 6-5 extra-innings loss and just two runs over the next 16 innings.
In their 2-1 defeat on Saturday, Seattle’s offense faltered, going 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
“You’ve got to hit with runners in scoring position,” Mariners manager Scott Servais emphasized. “Two-out RBIs are huge in this game, and we had them on the ropes but couldn’t finish.”
A victory on Sunday would help Seattle retain their slim lead in the AL West, where they’ve been in first place for over 60 days. They are currently one game ahead of the Houston Astros, whom they will face after the upcoming break.
Outfielder Victor Robles has been a bright spot for the Mariners, going 3-for-4 on Saturday and boasting a .545 on-base percentage and a 1.000 slugging percentage in July.
Right-hander Logan Gilbert (6-5, 2.94 ERA) will start for Seattle. Gilbert has a 4-2 record with a 4.57 ERA in eight starts against the Angels and has struck out 51 batters, his third-most against any team.
For the Angels, a win would secure their first series victory since taking three of four from the Detroit Tigers two weeks ago. Los Angeles has won three of its last four games after losing eight of the previous nine.
“Pitching, defense, timely hitting,” Angels manager Ron Washington summarized. “That’s what it was.”
Angels’ starter Jose Soriano had a strong performance on Saturday, and the team hopes right-hander Carson Fulmer (0-2, 3.83 ERA) can follow suit in what could be a bullpen game. Fulmer has faced Seattle three times, posting a 1-0 record with a 4.32 ERA.
Reliever Ben Joyce impressed on Saturday, throwing 13 strikes on 18 pitches and striking out the top three Mariners hitters with the tying run in scoring position. Joyce has added a sinker and changeup to his pitching arsenal.
“I think the more I throw it, the more comfortable I feel,” Joyce said about his expanded repertoire. “Just the few times I’ve thrown it now, it feels great. I feel comfortable with it, so I think it’s something I could definitely use more.”
The Mariners will be looking to reignite their offense and secure a crucial win in the series finale.
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